Pulis: I knew Jewell could quit

Head coach Tony Pulis has hinted he knew Paul Jewell could quit West Brom 48 hours before his exit.

The Baggies boss admitted he heard Jewell was interested in the vacant Charlton job.

The Addicks instead appointed Guy Luzon and Jewell left West Brom on Tuesday, following the arrival of Gerry Francis on a part-time basis, just a week after he was appointed joint-assistant head coach.

Jewell, who has now been linked with a coaching job at Hull, is taking legal advice in the wake of his departure but Pulis insisted it did not come as a shock.

“I had a phone call on Sunday saying Paul was in for the Charlton job. I spoke to him on Sunday but that was the last time I spoke to Paul,” he said.

“I have been concentrating on getting stuff sorted out at this football club. I have been non-stop.

“If it was going to be Charlton, Hull or whoever he is a good lad to have on board.

“He has been linked with a few jobs, so we’ll see what happens. I hope he gets back into it, that’s where he should be and where he belongs.”

Pulis is looking to appoint a replacement and spoke to chairman Jeremy Peace on Thursday but is in no rush to find a new man and will continue to work with long-time number two Dave Kemp.

He said: “Myself and Kempy have done it by ourselves before and Gerry (Francis) comes up every other day.

“We will get on with it. People make decisions and that’s it, you move on. I have got nothing but respect for Paul, he is a good guy.”

Pulis is still looking to appoint a goalkeeping coach and remained tight-lipped on his former Stoke keeper Carlo Nash landing the role.

He is also hopeful of adding to his squad to aid their fight against relegation with the Baggies 14th in the Barclays Premier League, but three points above the drop zone, ahead of Monday’s trip to Everton.

“It’s an important two weeks in the window, important for the football club,” Pulis said. “The players we bring in have to be better than what we have, they have to make a difference. It’s a difficult window if you haven’t been preparing.

“We have to make sure players are right. We’ve been busy behind the scenes but it’s very difficult. We have to get that team winning. I really do think it will be tough.”